WoinParis

I've never worn tights under my jeans. But I missed some thermal when I was in Riga with heavy wind.
Nobody I know in western Europe wears thermal - unless when skiing - can't say for women about tights under jeans, but if males can do without, I'd say you don't need them either.
Scarves is a good idea, but I keep losing mine, same for hats. So I end up with some kind of hood (bonnet in French). I got one at Riga that made me look like Goofy.
When it is really cold nobody cares really for fashion. Good socks help though. Sometimes I wear two pairs.

Hobbert

When I'm on vacation, I spend a lot more time outdoors than I do at home so I think about the weather a bit more. I also spend 10 years working outdoors (year round!) and figured out how to stay warm. For me, Under Armour cold gear as a base layer works perfectly. Keeps me warm but not over heated. I tried a few brands since UA is expensive but it really does work best. Plus it lasts forever so the cost becomes less of an issue. I also have fleece lined tights that work nicely either as tights or under pants for extra warmth. It really depends on how you tolerate the cold. I hate hate hate being freezing cold so a base layer is key for me. And a warm hat

MarthaT

I visit Europe in the winter quite often and coming from Florida it is cold to me when temps go below zero Celsius.
I only wear jeans, always bring 3-4 pairs and wear cuddleduds under them. The silky polyester ones. Very lightweight. I wear a leather walking shoe and do waterproof them. Your best bet is to layer your tops.

Christina

That jacket would be fine, Paris isn't the Arctic. It would be about the same a if you were visiting Washington DC in December. It had a fleece inner, after all. And yes, people wear jeans in December and sometimes sneakers if it isn't too wet, although I think a heavier duty boot/shoe would be preferable.

I used to live in LA for many years and people there actually had winter coats, I had one. It could get down into the 40s in winter. I had a lightweight wool one, actually, as well as a raincoat with zipout lining. If you were in San Diego, maybe it was different, or the desert.

For shoes, I'd suggest a suede slipon Merrill or something like that, you can wear those back home. Something like this:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en/jungle-...a-196848398405

Or this for a waterproof sneaker style suede http://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-ro...casual&start=1

Tulips

I've lived in London for years, now live in Belgium. I have never worn thermals, except when skiing. Ditto for waterresistant shoes. Sneakers are fine, as long as you have another pair in case one pair gets wet. Jeans are fine. You're not going to be outside all the time. If you dress as some people advice, with thermals under your jeans, you will be far too hot as soon as you step into a shop or museum.

Last Christmas it was warm enough in London to have lunch outside.

Don't buy anything that you are just going to wear on this trip. If you're cold, get thermal underwear and an extra jacket from Uniqlo. It's inexpensive and great quality.

enjoy your holiday!

travelgourmet

Just so we are all speaking the same language, there is a pretty massive difference between old school thermals/long johns and modern, temperature-regulating base layers.

Tulips

I realise that travelgourmet. But a base layer is really not necessary under jeans in London or Paris in winter - unless it is extremely cold. Which it hasn't been for the past 4 years. And if it is, buy the thermals at Uniqlo if and when you need them. No point in buying them in advance.

travelgourmet

I'm not saying I would wear a base layer, but my opinion as someone that grew up in a much colder climate than Paris and London may not be relevant to someone from LA concerned about the cold.

I agree that Uniqlo would be a good option if you find yourself needing last-minute base layers. However, if the OP has them already in the closet, I'd pack them as they take up near zero space.

janisj

I live in CA too -- and I don't (ever) wear thermal underwear in either Paris or London. Warm socks - yes, scarves - yes, gloves - often. Thermal underwear - no.

kerouac

Frankly, my sister-in-law from Southern California was cold most of the time when she came to Paris in October once. Her previous trip had been in the summer when the weather was fine. She mentioned not wanting to come back during cold weather, but if she did, I'm sure she would just know to bring warmer clothing than the first time.

Jean

I sometimes wear a thin base layer to eliminate having to wash shirts/sweaters/etc. I can wash a base layer at night, and it will be dry in the morning. Unless I spill something on the outer layer, I can wear it multiple times before washing.

I've never worn a base layer under trousers, but I have Spanx that reach mid-thigh.

ElendilPickle

Take a look at Sierra Trading Post for good deals on hats, socks, and scarves. www.sierratradingpost.com They sell SmartWool along with other brands.

Lee Ann

janisj

2nd the suggestion of Sierra Trading Post - lots of economical options if you need to fill in gaps in your wardrobe

historytraveler

I bought several pairs of Exofficio Minka pants for my most recent trip ( Iceland) They were great for spending time outdoor...warm and relatively water repellent. Fit like leggings. Work well as both casual and dressier pants.You might want to try Moosejaw also. Quality stuff at good prices. www.moosejaw.com

janisj

I mostly wear my skinny Eilean Fisher knit pants (cost more than the Minka's but come in petite sizing) Can be dressed way up or way down and are nice and warm.

Heimdall

I don't recall ever wearing thermal underwear here in England where I have lived for many years, even when pursuing outdoor sports in winter. Perhaps it is my Wisconsin upbringing, but it just doesn't get very cold here.

I agree with everyone who suggested layers, and prefer a Gore-tex lined jacket for the outer layer. Gore-tex lined shoes work well too, especially leather Timberland shoes or low cut boots. They keep your feet dry and offer good support for walking.

Hobbert

Oh, forgot to mention that LL Bean makes flannels and fleece lined jeans.

janisj

>>LL Bean makes . . . fleece lined jeans.<<

That take even <i>longer</i> to dry. I do have a pair but I've only worn them twice when I was in Truckee/Tahoe when it was about 10°F a couple of night.

Heimdall

Fleece lined jeans in England, where it seldom drops below freezing? I don't think so!

Hobbert

I actually didn't realize LL Bean had fleece lined jeans- I've only seen flannel lined and I wanted to make sure they still carried them before I posted. Just providing some options